Bharatanatyam
Guru Vijna Vasudevan
Gifted with fluid grace, an innate sense of rhythm and a vibrant sense of expression, Vijna was formally initiated into the world of Bharathanatyam at a very young age and has followed her calling with single-minded vision, rigorous training and above all, a passion for the craft. Today, she is an accomplished upcoming danseuse in the Kalakshetra tradition of Bharathanatyam and has been enthralling audiences both in India and Abroad. Good rhythmic command, great felicity of expression and pleasing stage presence are her forte.
She has given scores of performances abroad, and at premier dance festivals in India. She has performed as principle dancer in productions of senior performing artistes. Her lucid expressions and talent have earned her acclaim from several critics and public recognition too like the 'Sur Singarmani'from the Sur SingarSamsad in Mumbai.
She is a Visual Communication graduate from M.O.P Vaishnav College, Chennai and has successfully completed her masters in Bharathanatyam at Madras University, Chennai.Vijna commenced her training in Bharatnatyam under Smt. Sujatha Chandramohan (disciple of Adyar.K.Lakshmanan) in Muscat, Oman. Since 1996, she has been training under the world renowned dance couple 'The Dhananjayans' at Bharata Kalanjali, Chennai
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Padmashri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee
Celebrated as one of the leading figures in Indian classical dance across the world today, Geeta Chandran is also a highly accomplished Dance Guru, Scholar, Choreographer, Media Personality and Carnatic Vocalist, and she harnesses all these energies to “endance” the universe with Bharatanatyam.
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She is Founder-President of NATYA VRIKSHA, NEW DELHI, where since 1991, she has fostered art education, mentoring and development of young artists. Geeta’s holistic pedagogy integrates classical dance learning with other diverse disciplines and values.
She champions tradition, transcending linguistic barriers, and creating meaningful choreographies contributing to wider societal dialogue.
As an arts administrator, mentor and philanthropist, Geeta supports various causes, is greatly committed to arts education in formal curricula, and leads social campaigns.
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Her dynamic performances reflect her vision of an interconnected, inclusive, and transformative cultural experience.
In October 2024, she will be marking 50 years of engagement with Bharatanatyam since her arangetram in 1974.
In her five-decade career committed to Dance, Geeta has been honoured with the Padmashri (2007); the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2016); the Tagore National Fellowship (2017-2018) and the NRITYA CHUDAMANI (2024) bestowed by the Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai.
Geeta Chandran curated Dance at prestigious Serendipity Arts Festival in 2022 and 2023; and she continues to be Curator in 2024. Geeta has also been made Cultural Ambassador in South Asia for the international NGO, The Centre for Peace and Performing Arts.
Shirisha Shashank, also known as Shiri, made a remarkable debut in Bharatanatyam at the age of eight in Bangalore in 1990. Since then, she has become a rising star in the field. Trained under Shyamala Murali and later specialized under Radha Sridhar, Shirisha has honed her skills as a soloist and has been a part of over 200 ballet productions. Her performances have been lauded for her grace, swiftness, and unique personality, leaving a deep impression on the audience. Shirisha has expanded her repertoire by learning Kuchipudi from Veena Murthy and vocal music for over 10 years while also choreographing numerous dance dramas. She has captivated audiences in prestigious venues worldwide, including the UK, USA, and Gulf countries, earning appreciation from renowned personalities. Shirisha has been honored with awards such as the Rukmini Devi Arundale Award by the Sri Krishna Gana Sabha in 2009. With training under Priyadarshini Govind, Prof. C.V. Chandrashekar and Guru Kalanidhi Narayan, Shirisha has carved a niche for herself in the field of dance.
Arangetrams: Shirisha has guided and mentored numerous students through their Arangetram, which marks their debut as solo performers. Her guidance and support during this crucial milestone in their dance journey have helped her students excel and gain recognition. Nattuvangam and music
Expertise: Apart from her skills as a performer and teacher, Shirisha also possesses expertise in Nattuvangam, the art of conducting rhythmic patterns and reciting syllables during Bharatanatyam performances. Her proficiency in Nattuvangam adds an extra dimension to her artistry and showcases her deep understanding of rhythm and musicality.
Kuchipudi
Dr.Veena Murthy Vijay
Dr. Veena Murthy Vijay stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of Kuchipudi dance, captivating audiences globally with her unparalleled artistry and profound dedication to cultural preservation.
Dr. Veena Murthy Vijay's unparalleled dedication to Kuchipudi dance, coupled with her innovative vision and global influence, exemplifies the pinnacle of artistic excellence. Her multifaceted contributions, from mesmerizing performances to transformative pedagogy and pioneering initiatives, underscore her enduring legacy in shaping the landscape of Indian classical dance
TRAINING AND EXPERTISE
With rigorous training under revered gurus, she excels in various forms of Kuchipudi, infusing her choreographies with compelling social narratives.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Over four decades, Dr. Veena Murthy Vijay has mesmerized audiences across the globe, earning prestigious accolades and titles, including the esteemed Karnataka Kalashree award.
PEDAGOGICAL LEADERSHIP
As the Director of Sri Raja Rajeshwari Kalaniketan in Bangalore, she imparts her expertise to aspiring dancers, nurturing numerous professionals in the field.
INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES
Driven by her vision, she founded 'Samanvay,' a groundbreaking dance company that fosters collaborations with international artists and diverse dance forms.
MULTIFACETED CONTRIBUTIONS
Beyond her exemplary dance career, Dr. Veena Murthy Vijay is a prolific author, educator, and advocate for classical arts, spearheading initiatives like the Bangalore International Arts Festival.
PIONEERING INNOVATIONS
Dr. Veena's pioneering work includes integrating diverse elements such as Tibetan hymns, sign language, and folk forms into classical dance, championing inclusivity and cultural enrichment.
MAGNUM OPUS PRODUCTIONS
Recognized for her groundbreaking contributions, Dr. Veena Murthy Vijay was awarded an honorary
doctorate for her monumental work on restructuring ADAVU Patterns in Kuchipudi, earning widespread acclaim for its authenticity.
GLOBAL INFLUENCE
Her influence extends beyond performance; as a member of esteemed councils and universities, including the World Dance Alliance, she continues to shape the future of Indian classical dance and education, embodying a vision for cultural richness and global prominence.
Shama Krishna
Shama Krishna, hailing from Bangalore, is one of the foremost classical dancers of India. She has been trained in both Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dance styles and has given several performances in India and abroad. She began learning Bharathanatyam at a very young age from Guru Kalamandalam Smt Usha Datar and further received training from many senior Gurus like Guru Smt Narmada. She has been trained in Kuchipudi by Guru Smt Veena Murthy Vijay. She runs her own institution SHRADDHA DANCE CENTER, in Bangalore and has to her credit more than 150 students. She is an empanelled artist with ICCR and has received the national level scholarship from the Human Resource Department, Govt of India. She holds a Masters degree in Bharathanatyam from Sastra University, Tanjore and an A grade artist of Bangalore Doordarshan Kendra. She has been conferred with the Yuva Prathibha Award from BCKA last year.
Shama's quest for knowledge and dedication led her to Guru Smt. Sundari Santhanam, a direct disciple of Dr. Padma Subramanyam for an intense training in Karanas from the Natya Shastra. Shama has evolved as a consummate dancer by enhancing her dancing skills through workshops conducted by esteemed Gurus
Odissi
Madhulita Mohapatra
A recipient of the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi & the Kempegowda Award from Karnataka, Madhulita Mohapatra has carved a niche as one of the leading Odissi exponents in south India. An ‘A’ grade artiste of National Doordarshan (DD National) & an empanelled artiste of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), she has received prestigious awards like IIDF 2017, BCKA Yuva Kala Pratibha, Aarya Award for Women Achievers, Arathi Kala Ratna in Phoenix, Arizona, USA & the GTF Women’s Excellence awards. A disciple of Guru Shri Gangadhar Pradhan, Guru Smt. Aruna Mohanty, Guru Shri Pabitra Kumar Pradhan & Guru Krushnachandra Sahoo, she is admired & applauded by the connoisseurs & critics alike, for her profound artistry and her innate abhinaya quality. Madhulita Mohapatra has performed at several prestigious events across the country and overseas including the Konark Festival, Taj Mahotsav, Mukteshwar Festival, Dhauli Mahotsav, Bengaluru International Arts Festival (BIAF), Rang Tarang National Choreography Festival, Geeva Heritage Festival (USA), International Odissi Dance Festival, Johor Bahru Arts Festival (Malaysia), Magic in Movements (Phoenix, USA), Samagam (at the Indian High Commission in London), among many others. Madhulita Mohapatra is also a guest faculty of Reva University teaching Masters students of Odissi dance. She is selflessly devoted to the promotion & popularisation of Odissi in South India dance through her institution, Nrityantar, by performing, teaching and nurturing finest talents. Madhulita Mohapatra is rightfully applauded for her inventive choreographic skills and her adeptness to keep her audiences engaged with brilliant use of movement & space and interesting themes. Nrityantar Dance Ensemble is one of the most sought after classical dance troupes from Karnataka and is invited by major art festivals.
Kathak
Karnataka Kalasri Nandini Mehta is the daughter of Smt. Manorama Mehta who hails from the Ambale family in Mysore and Sri. K.C. Mehta, senior Advocate of Bangalore. Nandini was born in Mysore and studied in Bangalore. She is an an established danseuse proficient in the fields Kathak and Bharatanatyam, Nandini received her initial training in Bharatanatyam under renowned gurus Smt. Chandrabhaga Devi and Prof. US Krishna Rao and later pursued her training under Guru Smt. Narmada & Guru Smt. Bhanumati. Her passion for dance attracted her to train in Kathak.
She had the good fortune to come under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Maya Rao and Smt. Chitra Venugopal of NATYA Institute of Kathak and Choreography (NIKC) Bangalore. She pursued her training in Kathak from Gurus Kumudini Lakhia, Maulik Shah and Ishira Parikh, Ahmedabad. Nandini holds a degree in Choreography from NIKC. Nandini has also received formal training in Karnatic music from her mother Smt. Manorama Mehta. She is well versed with the various folk forms of India. Dance has taken Nandini to perform extensively in India, USA,Canada, France, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Thailand , Cambodia,Middle-East etc.
She is the recipient of the central government fellowship in Kathak for the years 2000-2002. She has also been a soft skill trainer and a French lecturer in various colleges in Bangalore. She is the co-founder-director of NADAM, an academy of dance and music based in Bangalore. She imparts training in Kathak to aspiring students from India and abroad.
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Awards & Titles
1)"GUNA-NIDHI" ,for contribution to Kathak, by Gunagrahi magazine, Bengaluru ,2005
2) SRISHTI AWARD for contributionto dance- 2006
3) KALA-ARATHI RATNA by Arathi School of India Dance, Phoenix, USA- 2006
4) SWAR -KALA GAURAV -2008 - Saraswathi Sangeetha Vidyalaya, Bengaluru
5) "NATYASRI" , Vishakapatnam -2009
6) “NRITYA - NIPUNA” - Karnataka Nrityakala Parishath,2010
7) INTERNATIONAL WOMAN,S DAY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR DANCE by Garden City College,Bengaluru-2011
8) SHAKUNTHALA PRASHASTHI ,Inspiration Award for contribution to Kathak Bengaluru,2015
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Keerthi Kumar
Keerthi Kumar's linear grace and dynamic execution of movement along with his well designed performances mark him as a versatile artiste on the Kathak horizon.
Keerthi Kumar has been mentored in Kathak by the internationally renowned Guru Dr. Maya Rao and by the acclaimed danseuse Madhu
Nataraj under whom he also trains in Indian contemporary dance.
Having cleared the Vidwat in Kathak, he has been learning Kathak at Natya Institute of
Kathak and Choreography since 2005 and has
attended master classes by Guru Chitra Venugopal and Smt. Poornima Pande.
He is the Head of Projects and a Principal dancer of the internationally renowned Natya STEM Dance Kampni (NSDK). He tours extensively with the Kampni and has performed across India in prestigious dance festivals like Khajuraho Mahotsav, Kathak Mahotsav, Samakala, Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav, Delhi International Arts Festival, Sangeet Natak Akademi’s choreography festival, Kalanadam, Drishti Dance Festival, Bharatamani National Dance festival, Yagnaraman dance festival, Akruti Kathak Kendra Festival, to name a few. He has toured more than 12 countries and also performed as part of ICCR’s cultural delegations to South Korea, Russia, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. He has a keen interest in Rhythm structures and also does Padhanth and Nattuvangam for several Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.
He co-founded ARTMOS through which he creates original choreographic works for educational institutions and works with artistes to create
specially curated events, fastidious production design and helm them in the capacity of an Artistic and Technical Director.
He is also a sought-after Lighting Designer for dance and theatre productions - working with several reputed choreographers and dance companies across India, Singapore and USA.
Before Kathak entered his life, Keerthi studied Bharatanatyam since the young age of 6 and balances several interests such as his penchant for Sanskrit and is an avid multimedia designer.
He is part of the Kathak faculty at NIKC and also teaches Lighting Design, Arts management and Rhythm structures to the students of the Institute's Diploma program.